Battlefield 6 Open Beta: Small Maps Disappoint Fans

Battlefield 6’s first Open Beta is here, but despite huge popularity, it has one clear problem regarding the maps on offer. The open beta is the first chance players have had to try out what Battlefield 6 will be like, and the game looks like it could be a return to the franchise’s former glory. However, the maps in the beta might not be the best representation of the game.

Over 300,000 players were online at the same time on the open beta’s first day for Battlefield 6, showing how in-demand the game is. There are three maps available for players to jump into and try out, but they all represent the same overall limitation in terms of size.

Battlefield 6 Open Beta Maps Are Too Fast-Paced

Fast, Close-Quarters Combat Has Taken Over

Battlefield 6‘s first open beta weekend runs from 7-10 August with three maps available for players to try: Iberian Offensive, Liberation Peak, and Siege of Cairo. However, they all have one thing in common —they just aren’t that big. The three maps all feature a lot of close-quarters combat and constant engagement around the main pinch points.

This type of combat is what players have come to expect from the Call of Duty series, but it’s not in line with what has traditionally set Battlefield apart. These maps could have been specifically selected for the beta to show off what combat feels like, but it seems odd not to have a true larger-scale map included. Of the three in the beta, all include tanks and other vehicles in play, but they still feel geared toward constant conflict.

Strategy Is A Huge Part Of The Battlefield Experience

Big, Open, Strategy-First Maps Are At The Core Of The Series

A tank destroying a nearby building in Battlefield 6.

As opposed to its rivals, strategy and teamwork are a huge part of the Battlefield experience, and most fans will again expect this in Battlefield 6. The game will revert to the class system that has been in place for most of the series, but this only really works on the larger-scale maps. While the assault class is primarily suited for close-quarter combat, the others rely on a slower pace.

The gameplay in the Battlefield 6 open beta feels faster than a lot of other entries in the series. This may be down to the specific maps that are used, but it’s hard to judge how this will transfer over to the larger maps in the full game. In total, Battlefield 6 will launch with nine maps, including a remake of Operation Firestorm.

Maps in Battlefield 6 will also change in size depending on what mode is played to suit that type of match. This means that some of the maps on show in the open beta could play very differently in other modes.

Battlefield 6’s open beta has proved a huge hit, but the selection of maps on show simply doesn’t deliver the strategy and slower-paced matches that fans know and love the series for.